Oil Splatters on Houses in Hugo after Spill

An oil line in Hugo erupted Tuesday, spilling 25 gallons of the crude substance and creating an oily mess in the city, according to the mayor.

The wind picked up the oil and it splattered across 10 houses southeast of the spill, Mayor Tom Weidt said. HAZMAT crews on the scene said there was no need for an evacuation and there was no danger to the community.

The incident happened during routine maintenance of the Minnesota Pipeline Hugo pump station at 13200 North Forest Boulevard, according to Koch Pipeline Company. The oil was released while crews connected a hose from a vacuum truck to the pipeline.

Koch said they are working with residents to clean the exteriors of the homes. Cleanup at the pump station is already finished.